Sone Aluko RSS feedhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/sone-aluko
enBruce delighted to see Aluko return to formSteve Bruce beamed at Sone Alukos return to form after an impressive cameo helped Hull City snatch a 1-1 Premier League draw at Everton.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bruce-delighted-see-aluko-return-form
Aluko came off the bench early in the second half and soon after left Sylvain Distin chasing shadows in the penalty area before finishing past Tim Howard.
The Nigeria international's superb individual effort cancelled out Romelu Lukaku's first-half goal, which had put a rampant Everton deservedly ahead.
While knocking the wind out of the hosts, Aluko's effort spurred Hull on and they could even have grabbeda winner in the second half.
Bruce said: "It's been a frustrating time for Sone, but now he's 100 per cent fit - which has always been the big issue.
"He had a horrible Achilles injury which left him out for a year.
"In my experience it takes another eight-10-12 months to get back playing, especially when you rely on twisting and turning like Sone.
"It's good to see him reproduce the form from when, for me, he was easily the best player in the Championship when we got promoted.
"He's been plagued by this injury but we hope he stays injury free because he looks like himself again which is good to see."
Hull came into the game off the back of four consecutive defeats which had dropped them into the bottom three, but Bruce revelled in a much-improved display from the weekend's meek 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.
"We needed a result and we needed to give everybody a lift because it's been tough over the last month particularly," he added.
"But the thing about this league I've learned is, it's unforgiving and you can go four or five games without picking up anything .
"It was always going to be difficult, especially when we went behind but thankfully we've taken something form the game.
"I've just seen [Nikica] Jelavic's header [after Aluko's goal] and we were close to winning it, if any team was going to win it, for me it was going to be us in the second half."
news_articleWed, 03 Dec 2014 23:18:33 +0000299021 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHull boss Bruce to assess Diame and Aluko fitnessSteve Bruce will overlook his returning internationals if they show signs of fatigue ahead of Hull Citys clash with Arsenal on Saturday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bruce-assess-diame-and-aluko
The Hull boss will assessMohamed Diame and Sone Aluko after the duo endured long flights to link upwith Senegal and Nigeria respectively.
Bruce includedUruguay strikerAbel Hernandez in his starting line-up against Newcastle United following the last international break and has learned his lesson from that selection, which headmitted was a mistake
"Everybody has walked through the door okay,"said Bruce.
"We'll have to have a look at Diame and Aluko because they only played on Wednesday night. We won't see Diame at all before we travel, he'll meet up with us at our hotel in London.
"I made a mistake with Abel Hernandez after the last international break.
"He'd travelled halfway around the world and I could tell when he returned on the Friday that he was physically tired ahead of travelling to Newcastle.
"No matter who you are, if you're hanging around airports, going on long-haul flights, playing games – you're going to be fatigued.
"I'll have a look at the squad and make sure I don't make the same mistake.
"It isn't fair on the players. We've got four or five who have been flying through the time zones, so we'll have a look at them and see how bright they are."
news_articleFri, 17 Oct 2014 11:02:00 +0000269787 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAluko is reaching top form, beams BruceSteve Bruce hailed Sone Alukos return to form after the striker fired Hull City to the UEFA Europa League play-offs.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aluko-reaching-top-form-beams-bruce
The 25-year-oldpopped up in the 80th minute to seal a 2-1 victory for the Premier League side over Trencin of Slovakia on Thursday.
A goalless first leg left Bruce's side needing to win in front of a packed KC Stadium, but visiting goalkeeper Milos Volesak was in fine form to routinely deny the hosts.
However, after seeing Aluko pounce on Robert Snodgrass' knock-back to seal a first European victory for Hull, Bruce believes the forward is back to his best after an injury-hit 2013-14.
Bruce said: "Sone, touch wood, has looked the best I've seen him in seven years, physically.
"He pulled up in training a couple of days ago - he was a little bit stiff with all the work he's done. I'm delighted for him he's been able to score a goal.
"We all know, the people of Hull, he's got terrific ability so let's hope he stays injury-free because he's going to be a big player if he does.
"I honestly believe that the ability to bring people off the bench is what won us the game.
"That's the squad, that's why we want the squad the way we have.
"When you can bring on the likes of Aluko and (Tom) Ince in particular, that gave us a freshness and changed the game."
Having seen his side pass up a number of chances to take the lead after Ahmed Elmohamady had cancelled out Tomas Malec's early opener, Bruce conceded he had wondered ifit was to be Hull's day.
"Usually playing in Europe you don't get that many [chances]," he explained. "And to be fair we've missed three or four glorious chances and you think 'Are we going to get it?'
"As always we stuck at it after an awful startthat put everybody on edge for 20-25 minutes, including the players and the crowd, who I thought were fantastic.
"There was a frustration there but thankfully we've seen it through."
news_articleThu, 07 Aug 2014 21:34:42 +0000226713 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comInjured duo a concern for Hull boss BruceShane Long and Sone Aluko are doubts for Hull Citys trip to Fulham next weekend after picking up calf and hamstring injuries respectively.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/injured-duo-concern-bruce
Long started in their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday but was substituted at half-time and replaced by Matty Fryatt, having wasted a handful of opportunities in the opening half.
Aluko was not involved in the matchday squad, having expressed his dissatisfaction at being benched in recent weeks, and Bruce is beginning to grow concerned at the forward's mounting injury problems.
“He's (Long) got a calf injury, we'll see how he is, he'll be touch and go for the weekend," Bruce said after Sunday's defeat.
“Sone Aluko nicked a hamstring on Thursday, unfortunately it's becoming too often (that he gets injured).
"We get him up to speed and he breaks down again, it's a huge disappointment and a concern.
"It's not serious but could be 10-12 days (before he's back); he's 50-50 for next week."
Victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage could secure Hull's place in the top flight for next season, they currently sit six points above the bottom three with four games remaining.
news_articleMon, 21 Apr 2014 06:55:57 +0000157519 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBruce pleads patience from frustrated AlukoSteve Bruce has backed Sone Aluko to return to his best, but implored the forward to be patient in his quest for regular first-team action.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bruce-pleads-patience-aluko
Aluko was left out Hull City's starting XI for last weekend's FA Cup semi-final with Sheffield United, but came off the bench at half-time to help turn a 2-1 deficit into a 5-3 victory.
On Wednesday, the 25-year-old revealed his frustrations at being selected among the substitutes at Wembley, and said his lack of opportunities had led him to consider his future at the club.
Far from being displeased at Aluko's comments, Bruce welcomed his desire to be involved, but warned that the Nigerian must bide his time after missing a large chunk of the season with an Achilles problem.
"If you're not playing and if you've got something about you, then of course you question it," he toldThe Hull Daily Mail.
"A player only thinks of one thing and that's himself. I was the same. If he's not happy he's not playing, then it's a good thing for me.
"I have to try and tell him he's not quite there. I've said 'you're going to have to be patient' because in my experience of anyone who's been out for six months, it'll take the same again to really get back to where you're at.
"Sone is a big part of what we're doing here, but I've not seen the real him until he came off the bench last weekend. He looked to have all his movement back and made a great impact.
"In my eyes Sone Aluko is a £6million player. Just because we paid that for (Nikica) Jelavic and (Shane) Long it doesn't mean he's out on his ear. We just need him to get fit and be Sone Aluko again."
news_articleSat, 19 Apr 2014 10:08:04 +0000156588 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAluko admits to doubts over future at HullSone Aluko admits to having doubts about his future at Hull City after a lack of first-team opportunities this season.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aluko-admits-doubts-over-future
The 25-year-old missed a large chunk of the season with an Achilles problem, and has found it difficult to nail down a starting spot, especially with the January arrivals of Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long.
Even with those two unavailable for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Sheffield United, Steve Bruce opted to leave the Nigerian on the bench, introducing him at half-time as Hull came from 2-1 down to win 5-3 at Wembley.
And Aluko, who has started just once in the league since returning to fitness in February, admits the lack of playing time had led him to consider his future at the club.
"It was very frustrating to not start (on Sunday)," he toldThe Hull Daily Mail.
"I was disappointed I didn't start. If you are not playing in the league and you are not playing in the Cup, then you start thinking 'What game am I going to play in?'
"I can only show the manager if I am playing, it's hard to show in the last 15 or 20 minutes of games.
"It's not easy to come on and make an impact on a game if there is a flow to the game or a pattern to the game. I want to play in every game.
"If you are not playing in the league or in the Cup games then pretty much you are not playing at all and you start thinking 'Is this for me? Do I need to find a new club?'
"It does go through your head, so it was important for me to come on and make an impact. It was good to show the manager what I can do and hopefully it bodes well."
news_articleWed, 16 Apr 2014 11:12:06 +0000155045 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAluko getting back to his best after injurySone Aluko believes he is getting back to his best after experiencing mixed emotions in Hull Citys FA Cup win over Sunderland.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aluko-getting-back-his-best
The former Rangers forward missed a penalty in the first half of the quarter-final against Gus Poyet's side on Sunday and was then substituted with the game goalless.
Aluko's team-mates spared his blushes by scoring three times to secure a 3-0 victory at the KC Stadium and see Hull through to the semi-final of the FA Cup for the first time in 84 years.
The Nigeria international had endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a torn Achilles before returning last month, but can now look forward to a trip to Wembley to face League One side Sheffield United next month.
And the 25-year-old is delighted to be playing his part in Hull's quest to lift the FA Cup and stay in the Premier League.
"I'm feeling alright and I think I'm pretty much over the injury I had," said Aluko.
"Playing and getting the minutes under my belt and getting my confidence back has been good and it's coming.
"It feels good to be back out there, especially with us winning games as well. Obviously I was disappointed to miss the penalty on Sunday, but apart from that I felt I did okay."
Hull face Nigel Clough's United side at the home of English football on Sunday April 13, but before then must focus on avoiding being drawn into a relegation battle and they host title contenders Manchester City on Saturday.
news_articleTue, 11 Mar 2014 16:53:35 +0000136121 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAluko back in Hull squad after long layoffSone Aluko returns to the Hull City squad for Saturdays Premier League clash at Sunderland following a long injury layoff.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aluko-back-sunderland-clash
The Nigerian forward has been sidelined since October due to an Achilles problem he sustained in a 2-1 defeat at Everton.
Aluko featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday and Hull manager Steve Bruce has revealed the former Rangers man will be in contention to face Gus Poyet's side this weekend.
Bruce said: "We think he's ready and Sone, certainly in his mind, thinks he's ready so he'll be a part of the squad for Saturday.
"When we saw Sone in the team at the start of the season, we realised what a good player he is.
"We hope that he can stay injury free. We've tried to do everything we can in terms of nursing him back to where he should be."
It will be the first time Bruce has returned to the Stadium of Light since he was sacked by Sunderland in November 2011.
But the former Manchester United defender insists he has long since put that disappointment behind him.
He said: "As far as I'm concerned it's gone.
"In football management, we've just been joking about it beforehand, we can joke about it but when it happens it disappoints you. But it's gone for me.
"I've been here now nearly a couple of years, there's been two or three managers at Sunderland since I left and I think let's get on with our lives.
"I'm looking forward to it, but I'm only looking forward to it if we win."
Jake Livermore is back in contention for the clash at the Stadium of Light after being ineligible to face his parent club Tottenham last weekend, but Allan McGregor is suspended and James Chester (hamstring) remains sidelined.
news_articleFri, 07 Feb 2014 18:13:38 +0000119616 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAluko to take his time on the road to recoveryHull Citys Sone Aluko is determined not to take any unnecessary risks as he prepares to return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aluko-take-time-road-recovery
Aluko has been out since mid-October with an Achilles problem, but featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday.
Although eager to make up for lost time after a frustrating lay-off, the forward is determined to ensure he is fully fit before pushing for a first-team recall.
"It was just enjoyable to be back out there playing on Tuesday,"Aluko told Hull's official website.
"To be out there running around and getting a sweat on was great. After the last two or three months, just being back out on any pitch was a bonus and I'm in the last stage of my rehab now.
"I managed to play for an hour and I was more than happy with that after what has been a long three months for me.
"It took me a few minutes to get fully into it, but I managed to play my way into the game and I felt good. As expected, I felt a little bit worse for wear the following day but I've been back out in training today (Thursday) and feeling good.
"I can feel my sharpness coming back slowly, but it's not where I want it to be and there's a way to go yet. But for this stage, I'm happy with where I'm at and hopefully it keeps on going the way it's going.
"The next step is to keep building my strength and fitness up and managing the process. I'm not trying to rush back in and be a hero by doing things that my body isn't ready to do yet. I'm taking my time to make sure I'm fully fit."
Hull, who sit 13th in the Premier League, are among 11 clubs tightly bunched together and eager to avoid relegation from the top flight.
"The league is very tight at the moment and I want to make sure that if I do get the chance to help the team, I'm able to do my best for the team rather than be in and then back out again," Aluko added.
news_articleThu, 06 Feb 2014 16:21:39 +0000119303 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHull manager Bruce feared losing AlukoSteve Bruce has admitted he thought he would lose Sone Aluko and the Hull City manager delighted the winger has signed a new deal.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bruce-feared-losing-aluko
The Nigeria international signed a new two-and-a-half year contract at the KC Stadium last week to ensure he will not leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The former Rangers man was an integral part of Hull's promotion-winning campaign last term, scoring eight goals in 23 matches, and he has impressed in the Premier League this term.
A calf injury has kept Aluko on the sidelines since October, but his return is imminent and Bruce is relieved to end speculation over the 24-year-old's future.
When asked if he thought Aluko would leave the club, Bruce said: "Yes, at times. Maybe three months ago, I didn't think it (a new contract) was possible.
"But we kept badgering away at him, making phone call after phone call. That's made him realise that he's wanted here.
"I'm delighted that he's committed for another couple of years."
Bruce also described the deal as potentially Hull's best bit of work during the January transfer window.
"It could be the most important piece of business we do this month," he added.
"If Sone gets fit over the next couple of weeks, he's a top, top player as we've seen time and again.
"He's a special player for us. I've said that all along, so let's hope we see him doing what he does best in the next month or so.
"I think I can speak for every supporter when I say I'm delighted we've got there now."
Bruce has made no secret of his desire to bring in another attacking player before the January transfer window ends.
Hull sit 10th in the Premier League table with 23 points from their first 20 matches.
news_articleTue, 07 Jan 2014 08:59:56 +0000101654 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAluko pens new Hull contract until 2016Hull City attacker Sone Aluko has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal, ending speculation about a potential move away from the KC Stadium.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aluko-pens-new-hull-deal
Nigeria international Aluko was reportedly a target for Crystal Palace in January, with his previous contract set to expire at the end of the season.
However, the former Rangers man has committed his future to Hull following their strong start to the campaign.
Aluko is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury and has made just eight appearances this season, scoring once in September’s 3-2 win at Newcastle United.
The forward insisted his intention was always to remain with Steve Bruce's side, and dismissed any claims that he was ready to move on.
"I'm happy to extend my stay here," Aluko told Hull's official website.
"I've said right from the beginning, when talk about a new deal first came about, that I was happy here.
"I also said that it might take time for the deal to happen and that is how it turned out.
"Because it took a while, people started making a story out of it and were saying that I was going to this place or that place. That was always irrelevant.
"I have to thank the manager and the owners of the club.
"I would also like to thank my team-mates for helping to make my time here a success. If it wasn't for them, there probably wouldn't be a new deal."
Aluko is closing in on a return to first-team action after almost three months out and is reportedly eyeing a comeback at the end of the month.
news_articleFri, 03 Jan 2014 15:21:46 +0000100435 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAluko rejects new deal, says Hull boss BruceHull City striker Sone Aluko has rejected a new deal with the Premier League club, according to manager Steve Bruce.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aluko-rejects-hull-deal
The Nigeria international, who has been ruled out of action until February with a torn Achilles, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Bruce confirmed that discussions over extending the 24-year-old's stay at the KC Stadium had taken place, but that the forward had failed to agree terms.
"Sone has turned down our latest offer, which was a very good one, and there won't be any more discussions for the time being," he told The Mirror.
"All contract talks at the minute will be put on the back burner, and we shall concentrate on getting Sone fit."
Alukohas scored once in eight Premier League games this season, with Hull having netted nine in total.
news_articleMon, 11 Nov 2013 10:17:19 +000082895 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAchilles woe rules Aluko out until FebruaryHull City forward Sone Aluko is set to be out until at least February with a torn Achilles, manager Steve Bruce has confirmed.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/achilles-woe-aluko-0
Aluko, who missed the second half of last season due to Achilles surgery, had been sidelined recently with a calf problem but was named in Hull's starting XI to face Sunderland last Saturday.
However, after complaining of discomfort in the warm-up, he was withdrawn and Bruce revealed on Thursday that the 24-year-old is now facing a lengthy lay-off.
"We've had some bad news. It was confirmed that Sone Aluko has torn his Achilles slightly," Bruce said.
"That's put a dampener on everything. He broke down in the warm-up last week and it’s been confirmed there's a tear in his Achilles that will keep him out until at least February.
"There's one or two specialists looking at him and we'll look for the best way forward for him. He's certainly going to be missing for the next eight to 10 weeks I'd have thought.
"It's tragically hard luck on Sone. He's had a few problems with it before and we thought we were over the situation.
"It's been an ongoing issue. Whether it's related (to his previous Achilles problems) we're not quite sure."
The Nigeria international has been a regular in the Hull side this season, making eight appearances and scoring the winning goal in a 3-2 victory at Newcastle United back in September.
news_articleThu, 07 Nov 2013 16:30:23 +000081607 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBruce slams horrific Barry tackleSteve Bruce blasted a failure to send Gareth Barry off for a horrific challenge on Sone Aluko in Hull Citys Saturday defeat at Everton.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bruce-slams-horrific-barry-tackle
Barry was shown a yellow card as a result of the tackle on winger Aluko in the first half, but Bruce was in no doubt the on-loan midfielder should have been dismissed by referee Neil Swarbrick.
Hull striker Danny Graham had already been withdrawn due to an injury sustained as a result of a challenge from former England midfielder Barry as Everton went on to secure a 2-1 win.
Steven Pienaar scored the winner for the home side almost immediately after coming off the bench. Yannick Sagbo had equalised for the visitors after Kevin Mirallas opened the scoring for Roberto Martinez's side.
As well as being stunned that Barry had not seen red, Bruce was aggrieved that the opening goal was allowed to stand as he felt Barry got a touch on Mirallas' shot when standing in an offside position.
The former Sunderland boss said: "There’s nobody who is a bigger admirer than I am of Gareth Barry, he’s been a really great player over the years.
"He's nudged the first one and changed the course of the ball, standing a yard offside.
"But the challenge on Aluko is horrific, absolutely horrific and the referee is only standing 10 or 15 yards away.
"It’s bad enough the challenge on Danny Graham, but when you see the one on Aluko it’s stuff of horror stuff and they, in my opinion, are the big decisions that cost you the game.
"Danny has a knee injury, we’re not sure how it is. That challenge is worthy of a yellow card, but the challenge on Aluko is horrific.
"It’s over the top of the ball and just below his knee. It’s a horror challenge. The big decisions have gone against us and particularly the goal, the linesman has got to flag there."
Victory for Everton saw them move to up fifth place, while Hull occupy ninth spot.
news_articleSat, 19 Oct 2013 18:01:20 +000075207 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comThe FourFourTwo Preview: Hull vs West HamPremier League | KC Stadium | Sat 28 Sep | 3pmDavid Hallhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwo-preview-hull-vs-west-ham
Billed as
Couldn't the pools panel sort this one out?
The lowdown
Hull are enjoying life in the Premier League so far. Coming from behind to beat Newcastle at St James’ is a feat the very best teams in the league would have been chuffed with – but for Steve Bruce it’s the kind of fillip that could define the Tigers’ season and send them on a we’re-a-newly-promoted-team run.
West Ham come into the game doing their darndest to tip last season’s form book on its head. The Hammers were superb at home last season and disappointing on the road. Upton Park is no longer a comfort (two consecutive league losses), while away from home they’ve picked up points.
Saturday’s fixture could be a very negative encounter. West Ham will shut up shop and offer little going forward without the still-injured Andy Carroll – their last two away games have ended 0-0. Hull, meanwhile, haven’t exactly been scoring for fun, lacking the talent up front to make a real dent in the opposition.
This has all the hallmarks of a low-scoring affair, which could easily degenerate into the odd red card or two as both sides get frustrated with their inability to create much of anything.
Team news
Hull have lost centre-back James Chester after he damaged a hamstring in the win at Newcastle. He’d be a bigger miss if West Ham weren’t quite so toothless up front, but drafting in an able replacement like West Ham old boy Abdoulaye Faye should see them set at the back. Manuel Figueroa returns after compassionate leave.
West Ham are thanking their lucky stars for the rehabilitation of Ravel Morrison, as their other creative talents cling to the handle of the treatment room door, refusing to come out and play. Carroll’s injury remains an ongoing mystery to the medical profession, and consequently his lay-off continues.
Key battle: Sone Aluko vs Mark Noble
This game will be won in the middle of the park. Noble served his one-match ban when West Ham played Cardiff in their own Watching-Paint-Dry cup tie in midweek (actually it was a 3-2 thriller). But he'll have his work cut out facing Aluko, who should still be sky high after his fantastic winner against Newcastle.
The two players are key to making their teams tick, as the two screens below show how they link up the play.
Noble links across the middle of the park, whereas Aluko often looks to the wings to spread the play and bring the wide-men into the game. Reducing Aluko’s impressive pass completion rate (86.7% for the season) will be the responsibility of Noble and his midfield partner, Mo Diame.
The managers
Hit me with your ugly stick, HIT ME! Seriously though, the technical areas at the KC will be treated to two men who definitely stuck their heads in where it hurts a few times in their career.
Unsurprisingly, both gaffers will expect their teams to relish the physical challenge presented by their opposition. Expect much blood and thunder plus the occasional bout of puce face syndrome after a dodgy refereeing decision. Jobs you don’t want on Saturday: fourth official at the KC.
The duo have faced off 13 times in the Premier League, with Bruce taking six wins to Allardyce's four.
Facts and figures
Only Arsenal and Manchester City have been more clinical in front of goal than Hull (15.6% conversion rate) this season.
West Ham are the only team to have seen all their goals scored by English players in the Premier League this season.
The last time West Ham scored more than six goals in a league game was in October 1990 when they thrashed Hull City 7-1.
West Ham are the only team yet to concede a goal in the opening hour of games this season.
Hull’s last five Premier League home games have all seen fewer than three goals scored.
Three of West Ham’s last six Premier League away games have ended 0-0.
It is almost a year (October 1, 2012) since West Ham scored more than once in a top-flight away game.
Hull have been involved in three of the six Premier League games to see fewer than seven corners this season.
Since the start of last season, West Ham have a win percentage of 33% when Mark Noble plays (33 games) and 20% when he’s been absent (10 games).
Tom Huddlestone could make his 150th Premier League appearance in this match.
FourFourTwo prediction
Hull to edge it thanks to a penalty, own goal or momentary lapse of defending and continue a solid start to their Premier League return. 1-0.
Hull vs West Ham LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone
featureThu, 26 Sep 2013 17:04:00 +0000David Hall64820 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com